Joy

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”  Psalm 126:3

“There are persons so radiant, so genial, so kind, so pleasure-bearing, that you instinctively feel in their presence that they do you good, whose coming into a room is like bringing a shining lamp there.”  Henry Ward Beecher

In 1982,  Randy and I were serving in the small town of Bowdon, Georgia.  When you enter the town, a sign reads, “Welcome to Bowdon – home of the nicest people on earth and a few old grouches.”  We were fortunate to know most of the nicest people on earth.

It so happens that this particular year the church in Bowdon was recognized by the North Georgia Conference as Church of the Year in evangelism and growth.  These sweet folks wanted to give Randy and me something to honor his work and dedication, so they decided we should have a trip somewhere.

In the Methodist fashion, a committee was formed to study the possible destinations.  According to legend, many suggestions were made, but in the end, Dr. W.P. Smith (a great man, UGA alum, and Bulldog supporter) decided that nothing could be better suited to Randy than a trip to the Sugar Bowl to watch the Dawgs play Penn State.  Since he was the planner and major contributor, the trip was a “go”.

We were surprised with a bowl of sugar complete with tickets to the game, a hotel reservation, and four friends to accompany us (they were going anyway, so we got a ride).  It was a moment of pure joy for Randy!!  The absolute surprise and joy of that moment was so evident on his face, but I will never forget the look of joy on Dr. Smith’s face as he presented it!  He was overflowing!

It’s such a feeling when you can do something unexpected for someone else in this world.  It doesn’t have to be a monetary gift, but just a call, a card, or a word of encouragement can mean so much!  I know people who bring joy wherever they go and to whoever they touch!

The joy was not to extend to the game that year, but the trip will be a joyful memory forever thanks to a person who wanted to do something for someone else.  Looks like we will have to wait til next year to seek a National Championship, but thank you, Georgia Bulldogs, for a joyful season!

The picture shows where we sat and ate most of our meals.   We also picked up unknown Georgia fans along the way, but wherever there is joy, a celebration happens!